Union chief Keith Jordan, who up until last month had worked at the plant for nearly 40 years, said Tata’s plans had left him “sick to the pit of my stomach” but he remains confident that the site has a long-term future.

He is now calling for Tata and the UK Government to provide the support needed to find a potential buyer.

“I truly believe Shotton has a future,” added Mr Jordan, who has a son and two daughters working at the plant.

“We’re the only site within the UK that is profitable. I don’t mind if it’s sold as an entity or separate as long as it’s a credible buyer.”

Deeside's darkest day

Tata Steel’s plans emerged just two days before the 36th anniversary of Deeside’s darkest day when then owners British Steel – after a decade battling union and political pressure – axed 6,500 jobs at the Shotton site.

It was the biggest industrial redundancy on a single day – March 31, 1980 – not only in North Wales but Western Europe.

Mr Sargeant, who grew up in Shotton at the time, said: “I remember how devastating that was. Unemployment has a massive shattering effect on families.

“My focus for this area is make sure Shotton continues whether that’s with the group (of UK sites) or not.

Risks to other companies

Nearly 50 Welsh companies would be at risk if the UK’s steel industry collapses – nine of which are based across the region in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire , Gwynedd and Wrexham.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, has called for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the crisis, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for Parliament to be recalled and members return early from their Easter break.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid is cutting short his trip to Australia and returning to the UK because of the issue.

A joint Welsh and UK Government statement said: “This is a difficult time for workers in Port Talbot and across the UK. During the review process, we remain committed to working with Tata and the unions on a long term sustainable future for British steel making.

“Both the Welsh and UK governments are working tirelessly to look at all viable options to keep a strong British steel industry at the heart of our manufacturing base.”